Six Peaks of Saranac Lake to Hike

Saranac Lake, located in the Adirondacks of NY state, is only 9 miles away from Lake Placid, once host to Winter Olympics. Saranac Lake is a good option if you’re looking for a quiet place over busy village of Lake Placid. There are six mountains encircling Saranac Lake: McKenzie Mtn. 3,822 ft, Ampersand Mtn. 3,353 ft, Scarface Mtn. 3,054 ft, St. Regis Mtn. 2,874 ft, Haystack Mtn. 2,864 ft, Baker Mtn. 2,452 ft.

I hiked Haystack and Ampersand. Haystack has a nice view on one side, but I was blown away by the views from Ampersand, almost 360 view. The hike itself is very impressive and the views are spectacular.

Ampersand Mtn (5.4 miles RT, moderate to difficult) offers an interesting hike. The first 1.7 miles is relatively flat (still snaky and rocky) and passes through a mixed hardwood forest. The last mile ascends 1300 feet vertical and has some rough spots. The open summit provides amazing views of the High Peaks Wilderness and Saranac Chain of Lakes.

Haystack Mtn (left) (6.6 miles, RT, moderate) offers a pleasant woods walk leading to a final steep climb to an open rock face and ledge with views of Whiteface, the High Peaks and the Saranac Lakes chain. Trail continues on to McKenzie Mtn.

More info at: http://www.saranaclake.com/activities/outdoor/hiking